HORNET HAPPENINGS 02/27/2026

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Read Across America March 2nd - 6th

read across america halley

 

Congratulations to our 2026 Halley Spelling Bee Winner!

speling bee

 

Our students did a wonderful job participating in our school-wide spelling bee!  However, there was only one winner: Sachi Jena, sixth grader from Mr. Lasky's class. She will move on to the division-wide spelling bee at Lake Braddock HS.

 

Mark Your Calendar!

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Monday March 9th, Spring Picture Day

Monday March 9th, Craft Night (PTO)

Friday March 20th, Holiday Eid al-Fitr, No School for Students

Friday March 27th, End of 3rd Quarter 2 Hour Early Dismissal

March 30th to April 3rd, Spring Break, No School for Students

Monday April 6th, Teacher Work Day, No School for Students

Friday April 10th, School Planning Day, No School for Students

Wednesday April 15th, Purple Up Day!

 

New Visitor Management System

raptor

 

We are excited to announce that our school is now using the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS). This upgrade is part of our school’s and FCPS’ ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety and streamlining the process for visitors at our school. The VMS ensures that no visitor is on the sex offender registry. 

For most visitors, the user experience will be the same when you check-in at the front office.

But now there is also an app, which can make check-in’s even faster at school. Visitors who choose to download the RaptorSafe App and create a Raptor Passport can pre-verify their information before they get to school. The app will give you a QR code you can use when you check-in at school. 

If you have questions or need assistance with the new system, please click on the following link for information:https://raptortech.com/raptorsafe-app/ or contact our front office. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe!

 

School Breakfast Week

nat breakfast week

 

Celebrating the Power of School Breakfast

Multiple studies show that school breakfasts are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school breakfast consume more fruit and fiber than their peers. 

This National School Breakfast Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Would you like to know what’s for breakfast? Nutrition Services has printable menus available.

 

Pre-K and Early Head Start Programs

pre-K

 

FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors, ages 6 weeks to 4 years, living in Fairfax County. 

  • Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children who will be 3 years old by September 30 of the same year.
  • Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; space is limited and provided based on need, not on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications are accepted online, by email, by mail, or in person at the program office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.  

If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).

 

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3

kindergarten

 

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation and any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process.

Try Online Registration

Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account.

If your child is currently in an FCPS PreK program, you must still formally register them for kindergarten to ensure a spot at your zoned school for the upcoming year. Contact our school's registrar to begin the process, which involves updating residency proof, health records, and completing registration forms.

 

Picture Day

Picture day

 

It’s time to get those smiles ready! Spring Picture Day is coming up on Monday, March 9th.

Spring pictures are a great chance to show off how much your child has grown this school year.

A proof or portrait package will be sent home from the school with information on how to order. (Allow 3-4 weeks)

Strawbridge Studios will be taking Classroom Group pictures for all grade levels.

You are also able to order online at www.strawbridge.net using the following Online Code: FM486418

A proof or portrait package will be sent home from the school with information on how to order. (Allow 3-4 weeks)

 

We need YOUR help to make our students smile!

volunteer

 

We are looking for a few amazing parent volunteers to join us for a fun, high-energy day of capturing memories. If you love seeing the kids at their best and want to help our school day run smoothly, we would love to have you!

📅 The Details:

  • Date: March 9th
  • Time: All Day (Full school hours)
  • Role: Helping organize classes, straightening collars, and ensuring every student is ready for their "big moment" in front of the camera.

🎁 Why Volunteer?

Beyond the joy of helping our school community, we want to show our appreciation! All full-day volunteers will receive special vouchers to use toward your own student's photo packages or school spirit wear.

🙋 Ready to help?

Please call the front office or email dmmiller@fcps.edu.

Thank you for making our school a better place!

 

Family Academy Offers Support to Parents and Guardians

family academy

 

The Family Academy offers resources and in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. The following webinars and workshops will take place in March:

  • Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (in Spanish)
  • The Connected Family: Navigating the Digital World Together
  • Introduction to Career Pathways for Students
  • Getting to Know Fairfax County Public Schools: A Family Orientation (for military families)
  • Mind in the Making: Making Connection and Critical Thinking

There will also be Family Resource Center webinars on topics including reducing parent stress and anxiety, parenting neurodivergent kids, why smart kids struggle, and a countdown to kindergarten. 

Visit the Family Academy Catalog to explore these and other resources.

 

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS)

hidden in plain sight

 

A Community Awareness Program for Parents Presented by the Fairfax County Police Department

What Is Hidden in Plain Sight?

Hidden In Plain Sight (HIPS) is a free, interactive, adult-only program designed to help parents recognize subtle warning signs of risky behavior hidden in everyday items found in a teenager’s room. The program helps parents understand current youth trends and start informed conversations at home.

Topics Covered:

Alcohol & marijuana use • Vaping & nicotine products • Prescription and over-the-counter drug misuse • Illicit drugs • Hidden compartments • Social media risks • Sexting & sextortion • Mental health concerns • Clothing and behavior trends • Other emerging risky behaviors.

Important Information:

Adults only (no youth permitted). Content is updated regularly to reflect current trends. Ideal for parents, caregivers and guardians of middle and high school students.

Program request Link

For questions: FCPDHIPS@fairfaxcounty.gov

 

Spring Break Camp at South County HS

Spring Camp South County

 

Community Conversations

Dr. Reid listens to the community

 

Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

Tuesday, March 3, at Waples Mill Elementary School.

Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School.

Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.

Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.

 

April is Month of the Military Child!

Month of the Military Child

 

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is gearing up to honor and celebrate its military-connected youth in April, the Month of the Military Child, and on Purple Up! Day! 

This year, Virginia will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Purple Up! Day is a special day for communities to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support for our military-connected youth and their families. Purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military. 

FCPS Purple Up! T-shirts and other items are available for purchase now through Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in our Custom Ink online store. These items highlight our gratitude and appreciation for our 14,500 military-connected students and their families. #PurpleUpFCPS!

 

Get Involved, Join the PTO!

Halley PTO

 

Stay connected and get involved! The PTO is working hard to bring exciting events, activities, and resources to our school community this year. Don’t forget to join or renew your membership—membership is required each school year. Your support helps fund programs that benefit all of our students.Click on the link to join/renew PTO Membership 

👉 https://www.ptboard.com/nlg/login

 Interested in having a larger role in the PTO? Sign up for larger roles through our Officer/Chair Form here:

👉 Officer/Chair For

 

Spring Craft Night

Craft Night1

 

Get ready for a fun and creative evening with fellow Hornet families! Spring Craft Night is the perfect chance to create, connect, and celebrate our school community. 

Tickets are $15 per crafter and include all supplies needed to create and complete up to three craft masterpieces per participant. 

 Pizza will be available for purchase by the slice. Please preorder if you're interested! 

➡️Click here to buy your ticket for the event & pre-order pizza!

 

Halley's Hearts in the Hall Appreciation!

harts in the hall2

 

Thank you for all of the support for this year's Halley's Hearts in the Hall! We loved seeing all the special messages celebrating our Halley students, teachers, and staff and the support for our 6th Grade Promotion Celebration!

 

Support the Sixth Grade Promotion

sixth Grade Promotion

 

Our 6th graders are heading to middle school soon! We are seeking donations to help fund their upcoming promotion ceremony and celebrations. If you’d like to support our oldest students as they take their next big step, please click the link below to contribute to the promotion fund. Thank you for supporting our school community!

Fundraising Goal: $500

Click here to make a donation

 

Buzz on over to the Halley Spirit Wear Store!

halley Spirit wear

 

Show your Halley spirit all year long! Our Spirit Wear Store is open 24/7 with tons of new gear and styles for everyone.

👕 What’s new:

  • Cozy sweatshirts and t-shirts

  • Trendy cups and beanies

  • And much more!

✨ Special offer: Enjoy FREE shipping to the school for a limited time! (Direct-to-home shipping is always available.)

Don’t miss out—gear up and show your Halley pride today!

👉Visit the Spirit Wear Store

 

Follow Halley ES on Social Media

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Follow us on:  Facebook

And Please Bee Kind!